Status of Natural Farming in Tamil Nadu

The Status of Natural Farming in Tamil Nadu study presents a detailed assessment of the state’s agro-ecological farming ecosystem, with a central focus on farmer-led knowledge systems, input practices, and operational models. Conducted by VikasAnvesh Foundation for the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS), the study documents the diversity, sophistication, and lived experience of natural and organic farming practices across the state.

Based on in-depth field interviews with over 50 experienced farmers across eight districts, the report systematically synthesises farmer innovations in soil nutrient management and pest and disease control. It records more than 30 organic formulations and practices, including green manuring, jeevamritam, panchagavyam, meenamilam (fish amino acid), enriched bioinputs, microbial cultures (EM/LAB), botanical extracts, and cyanobacteria-based inputs. Each practice is documented with its underlying principles, ingredients, preparation methods, application protocols, and farmer-driven variations, highlighting a high degree of ecological understanding and experimentation.

The report stresses that natural farming in Tamil Nadu is motivated primarily by health concerns, soil and environmental restoration, self-reliance, and community well-being, rather than immediate economic gains. Seven distinct operational models are identified, ranging from collective and cooperative farming and direct-to-consumer value addition to agro-ecology trainer farms and allied service models. A significant group of “search for light” farmers remain economically vulnerable due to weak market linkages and limited institutional support.

Overall, the study positions farmer knowledge as the foundation for scaling agro-ecological transitions and calls for stronger documentation, scientific validation, input systems, and market ecosystems to sustain natural farming in Tamil Nadu.

Key Words: Natural Farming, Tamil Nadu, Agro-ecological Practices, Knowledge Synthesis, Soil Health, Bio-inputs, Pest Management, Farmer Innovations, Operational Models, Market Linkages, Sustainable Agriculture.